The location of the gathering, called “Diner en Blanc,” was announced just minutes before the festivities began around 6:30 p.m. for pre-registered guests, who had been waiting at 23 meeting places around the city.

Once all had arrived by 7 p.m., guests waved their white linen napkins in the air to signal the beginning of the event, which debuted in New York in 2011.

Attendees, who had brought their own tables and chairs, situated themselves along the Hudson River, clinked their glasses of champagne at sunset and danced the night away in style to live Django Reinhardt music.